Almost every pin I have bought over the years has been at least an hour away, usually 3-5 hours away.

Pin hauler prep: Get the Escape ready and bring blankets, cradboard, plastic wrap and socket set.

Pin helper prep: My 8 year old son has gone on almost every trip with me. We pack 2 of the following - water bottles, fruit snacks, fruit cups, cheese/cracker packages. Always stop for 1 meal at a rest stop and look for pins.

Pin at home help: I get out the hydraulic lift (with him riding on it of course) and unload/set it up. We call 'mom' down. He gets first game, wife and 2 1/2 year old daughter feign interest and then leave. I get second game. Playfield is then stripped bare, everything gets cleaned, rerubbered and put back together.